The Ashmolean Museum stands on Beaumont Street in the centre of Oxford, England. It is the world's first university museum, and its collections run from ancient Egypt to contemporary art, so a single visit can take in very different periods and places.
What you can see
- Archaeology: the museum holds important archaeological finds, which give a sense of the long history of human life in the region and beyond.
- Ancient Egypt: the collections reach back to ancient Egypt, one of the strongest threads running through the museum.
- European paintings: the galleries include European paintings, a good reason to linger over the works on display.
- Contemporary art: the collections extend to modern and contemporary work, bringing the visit up to the present day.
Because the museum covers such a wide span, it suits both a focused visit to one period and a looser wander through the galleries. Visitors with an interest in a particular civilisation can spend a long time with its objects, while those who simply want to browse will find plenty to hold their attention.
Planning your visit
The museum is in the heart of Oxford, so it is easy to combine with a walk through the historic university city. For opening times, admission details and any current exhibitions, it is best to check directly before you set out. You can reach the museum by telephone on +44 1865 278000.
If you are deciding whether to go, the Ashmolean makes a rewarding stop for anyone curious about archaeology, art or the history of collecting, and it pairs naturally with an afternoon exploring the streets around it.